U.S. Tourist Visa Bonds
Some B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants are now required to post a bond before the U.S. government will issue their visa. These tourist visa bonds can cost thousands of dollars, and there are additional requirements that determine how the bond is paid and how the traveler can enter or exit the country.
Because this program is still relatively new and not all visitors need to pay a visa bond, working with an attorney to understand the US visa bond program details can help you plan appropriately for your trip to the United States. Schedule a consultation with Lira Bravo Law if you have questions about whether the tourist visa bond may apply to you or what to expect during the B-1/B-2 visa process.
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Understand Your U.S. Tourist Visa Bond Requirements With Help From Lira Bravo Law.
US Visa Bond Program Details
The Department of State created a 12-month pilot program in August 2025 for some visitors applying for B-1/B-2 visas. Effective August 3, 2026, the Department made the visa bond program permanent.
The bond requirement targets those from countries chosen by the State Department based on factors such as:
- High visa overstay rates.
- Gaps in sharing of relevant traveler information with the United States.
- Problems with identity verification or criminal records.
- Inadequate screening and vetting.
- Concerns about the security of travel or civil documents.
Who May Be Subject to the U.S. Tourist Visa Bond Requirement?
Not all B-1/B-2 applicants must pay a tourist visa bond. A bond may be required only after an applicant otherwise qualifies for the visa, and paying the bond does not make someone eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa.
The country list includes dozens of countries, including Algeria, Bangladesh, Botswana, Cuba, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea, Nicaragua, Seychelles, Turkmenistan, and Zambia. The list is updated on a rolling basis, so you may want to discuss the specific requirements for your country with an immigration lawyer.
How Much Are Tourist Visa Bonds?
Depending on the consular officer’s discretion, the bond may cost $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000. During the visa interview, the consular officer can decide which bond amount is enough to ensure that the traveler does not overstay. The standard bond amount is $15,000, but the consular officer can set it higher at $20,000 or lower at $10,000 based on the applicant’s circumstances.
How Does a Tourist Visa Bond Work?
Applicants go through the normal B-1/B-2 visa process and attend their consular interview. They find out at that time how much they have to pay. They must submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352B and pay the bond only when directed to by the consular officer. The applicant or a third party may pay the bond.
Travel Rules After Posting a Tourist Visa Bond
The US visa bond program covers not only the amount a traveler must pay but also the specific rules a visitor must follow when entering and exiting the United States.
Current State Department rules require bonded travelers to enter and exit through commercial airports of entry. Entry through CBP Preclearance locations is also permitted. Land and sea ports are not permitted. Following these instructions is crucial because it’s how the government verifies whether a traveler has exited the country on time and complied with the terms of their bond.
When Tourist Visa Bonds Are Refunded
Tourist visa bonds are intended to encourage travelers to comply with the terms of the bond, including departure requirements. The bond can be cancelled and the deposit returned when the traveler complies with the bond terms, including departing on time through an approved commercial airport. The money is also refunded if the traveler never enters the United States before the visa expires or if they are denied entry at a port of entry.
If it appears the visitor did not comply with the terms of their bond, the case may be forwarded to DHS for a breach determination. A breached bond may be forfeited.
Get Guidance on Your B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Requirements Before You Travel.
How Lira Bravo Helps with Visa Bond Cases
The process of applying for a visa itself can be overwhelming for international visitors, and the U.S. tourist visa bond requirement can make it more complicated for travelers. The team at Lira Bravo Law can explain the terms of the bond program, help applicants understand whether the tourist visa bond requirement may apply, and assist with the B-1/B-2 visa bond process. We also help applicants with previous visa overstays or immigration history issues that may complicate their efforts to enter the United States.
Get Help with Your Tourist Visa Bond
A tourist visa bond can be a significant expense for travelers, and failure to comply may result in permanent loss of the paid amount. If you have questions about bond requirements and how to apply for your B-1/B-2 visa, the team at Lira Bravo Law can help. Contact us to book a consultation.
